Fergie plays down RVP injury

London – Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson eased concerns about Robin van Persie after the striker was forced off with a hip injury during his side's 2-0 win at Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

The Dutchman, United's top scorer, hurt himself in the build-up to Rafael da Silva's 23rd-minute opener at Loftus Road after falling into a photographers' pit behind the QPR goal.

He played on until the 41st minute before being replaced by Danny Welbeck, but Ferguson said his participation in the second leg of United's Champions League last-16 tie with Real Madrid on March 5 was not in jeopardy.

“He collided into a camera in a dug-out, collided into the base of that and it gave him a sore hip,” Ferguson told Sky Sports.

“It's a hip injury, so it might be tender and sore for a few days, but hopefully he'll be all right, particularly for the Real Madrid game.”

United's victory sent them 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League table, ahead of second-place Manchester City's home game with Chelsea on Sunday. – Sapa-AFP